Evan, you surprise me everytime, well done! Do they have the same size as the originals, they look a bit smaller? And this time in black? Keep up the good work man!

Leslie:

Evan, you surprise me everytime, well done! Do they have the same size as the originals, they look a bit smaller? And this time in black? Keep up the good work man!

Thank you, Leslie! The cube enclosure itself is actually the exact same size as the original, 95mm^3. I think the stand is what throws off the proportion, the base especially. They are several inches taller than the originals (due to the stands), but I will likely shorten them a bit more.

Yes, black - that must have been a bigger suprise! The reasons why; 1) The original color was black only. 2) they will be set on top of some speakers with black frets. Once they are placed I will give you more details on this - long story! A picture or two will help!

Evan:

Marked and drilled the holes, 1.5" hole saw.

More, MORE, More

Søren Mexico:

Evan:

Marked and drilled the holes, 1.5" hole saw.

More, MORE, More

I'm trying Søren! My internet keeps giving up right as I post a new pic...

At this point, all of the cube panels must be aligned. Also, all holes for brackets and tweeters must be made now in initial assembly as these are going to get a few coats of black paint.

 

I had to fabricate all of the brackets (16!) myself as even the smallest ready-made brackets from the hardware stores were too large. They were cut from the sides of aluminum square tubing. They are numbered once fitted to ensure they are put in the same place in final assembly.

Next is a very critical step, drilling the hole for the stand. The washer is used as a stop to keep the stand from going through the enclosure.

After finishing the hole for the stand and the bottom of the cube is shaped, it can balance on its own.

Now add, the rest of the sides for fit and alignment. Afterwards, the cube can be disassembled.

This is a little out of order but I'll throw it in anyway. Tweeter size and installation is confirmed.

 

Just like I planned.

Time for painting! When the cloth is stretched over the cube sides, the wood color is visible, they had to be painted.

Next, the frets are stapled on, one side at a time. Constructing the cube this way gives me the seams between the panels, which is something I intended. I think this also makes the 2500 look slightly more modern.

All six sides, covered. This was probably the most tedious task during the entire project, many many staples and sore fingertips! But, the pain was worth the gain, they look amazing. Starting to resemble a speaker now.

Getting close! The tweeters get installed. The pieces are getting heavier, feeling good!

Home stretch! Final assembly! All coming together

Along the top edge of the partial cube, there are two sections of steel round stock that go across a top side of the cube. These are supports for the snaps I have placed on the "cap." The "cap" being the rear/top panel. It is removable so that the unit can be serviced and altered internally.

You can see up at the top of the photo I have a glass of lemonade. It was helping me through some extremely hot weather - Rich & Soren!

Evan:

You can see up at the top of the photo I have a glass of lemonade. It was helping me through some extremely hot weather - Rich & Soren!

Very nice work.  Very inspirational project.  I've been thinking of a speaker build myself - ambio speakers to complement my M70s in my BM4000 (the tower) system.  I built a few pairs back in the late 80s and early 90s.

My beverages of choice would have been Maker's Mark on the rocks on the left, and a Mountain Dew Code Red chaser on the right!  But I guess you care about sobriety while you work!

Thank you, Rich. I've been dreaming of 2500s for a very long time now, but only thought of making them myself about 3/4 months ago. Since then I've been designing and selecting drivers etc. I suppose all of that is what made this happen so quickly!

I had to keep it lemonade with all of the hardware store trips I was making that day. I cleaned out two hardware stores of their #4 x 1/2" screws!

What ever became of your CX50's? Those would be perfect for ambio.

Sorry it took so long to reply, my laptop cannot navigate the forums right now for some reason. Had to post via the app.

Here is a [rather bad] photo I jus took of a cap. Look, its even labeled! And yep, you guessed right, those clips are in fact fuse holders! They work very well for this application.

Drop in the cap and presto!

Evan, you should call them Babyvox 2500, a new b&o baby has born. Positiv critics though, hope you don't mind. The base you're using now makes the cubes smaller. Why not using the sime dims? Where did you buy the tweeter and has it the same size as the originals. Any specs of these on the net? Keep up posting Really enjoy your thread(s) with all the pictures.

Now for the biggest challenge, composing a stand.

I had brainstormed many thoughts on this, but settled on a ready-made table lamp base and it couldn't be any better. Being a lamp base, there is even a place for the speaker wire to travel through!

This particular base is also heavy enough to keep this suprisingly heavy tweeter stable.

Double post.

Great project with lots of clever construction ideas! I especially like the fuse holder clips

I think I would've just let the stand poke through the insides to the opposite corner, that would automatically align the cube as well...

Evan:

What ever became of your CX50's? Those would be perfect for ambio.

Gave them to my mother-in-law.

 

Thanks for the pictures of your project Evan.  Lots of nice details inside as well. I'm already looking forward to the next one...

tournedos:

 

I think I would've just let the stand poke through the insides to the opposite corner, that would automatically align the cube as well...

Mika! Why didn't you tell me that two weeks ago?!